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SportsBreakNews.com – November 7, 2023 – Professional wrestling veteran Samoa Joe has shared his reflections on the recent in-ring tribute paid to him by longtime colleagues AJ Styles and John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel, alongside his thoughts on their impending retirements from active competition. The marquee match at the Saudi Arabian premium live event saw both Styles and Cena incorporate signature maneuvers from their past rivals, a notable inclusion being Joe’s iconic Coquina Clutch.
The high-profile encounter between Cena and Styles, which marked their fifth and potentially final televised singles match, became a significant talking point following its conclusion on November 4, 2023. During the contest, AJ Styles executed a Coquina Clutch, Samoa Joe’s signature rear-naked choke submission, a move deeply ingrained in Joe’s nearly quarter-century career. This particular maneuver, alongside others integrated by both competitors, served as a direct homage to a generation of professional wrestlers who were instrumental during the Spike TV era of Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, a period where Styles and Joe established themselves as industry cornerstones.
"It’s incredibly cool," Joe stated in an interview with CBS Sports, reflecting on the recognition. "Both those men are people I have unyielding respect for. I’m so happy to see they’ve enjoyed the successes they have had in their life. It was wonderful to be thought of in their big moment." Joe’s comments came ahead of his own significant championship challenge against "Hangman" Adam Page for the AEW World Championship at the WrestleDream pay-per-view on October 1, 2023, where he was ultimately unsuccessful.
The connection between Samoa Joe and both AJ Styles and John Cena extends far beyond shared locker rooms and rival promotions. With AJ Styles, Joe forged one of professional wrestling’s most critically acclaimed rivalries in TNA throughout the 2000s, characterized by a series of innovative and high-stakes matches that redefined independent and mainstream wrestling styles. Their encounters for championships such as the TNA X Division Championship and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship are frequently cited by fans and critics as benchmarks for in-ring storytelling and athleticism. Styles, often referred to as "The Phenomenal One," cultivated a reputation as a dynamic, high-flying, yet technically proficient competitor. His career, spanning over two decades, saw him achieve unprecedented success across various promotions globally before his highly anticipated debut in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble. Within WWE, Styles quickly ascended to the top, securing two WWE Championships, three United States Championships, one Intercontinental Championship, and one Raw Tag Team Championship, solidifying his status as a Grand Slam Champion. His imminent retirement, confirmed recently, marks the end of an era for a performer who consistently pushed the boundaries of in-ring performance.
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Samoa Joe also shares a uniquely personal history with John Cena, despite the two never having engaged in a televised WWE singles match. Their paths intersected early in their careers within the now-defunct California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) promotion. UPW served as a developmental territory for WWE in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where future stars honed their craft. Joe recounted a memorable anecdote from those formative years, describing how Cena and fellow wrestler Frankie Kazarian once engaged in an impromptu eating challenge at Joe’s father’s residence, collectively consuming six pounds of chicken breasts. This shared experience underscores a camaraderie forged in the often-unglamorous early stages of their respective journeys. Cena, who debuted in WWE in 2002, evolved from his "Doctor of Thuganomics" persona into the company’s most prominent figure for over a decade. His illustrious career boasts a record-tying 16 (and widely acknowledged 17th) World Championship reigns, five United States Championships, and four Tag Team Championships, alongside numerous other accolades. Beyond his in-ring achievements, Cena transitioned into a highly successful acting career, establishing himself as a global mainstream celebrity. His ongoing "retirement tour" in WWE is anticipated to culminate with his final match at "WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event" on December 13, 2023.
The Crown Jewel tribute and the impending retirements of Styles and Cena mark a significant generational shift within professional wrestling. Joe, who has himself indicated that he will likely retire upon the expiration of his current All Elite Wrestling (AEW) contract, expressed empathy for the fans who are saddened by the departure of these industry titans, while simultaneously conveying his contentment for his longtime friends.
"AJ is one of the few wrestlers who changed the face of wrestling. He’s definitely the prototype of an ideal wrestler and expanded that category," Joe articulated. "Much like John, both had fantastic careers. I know for many fans it’s sad to see them go, and I can obviously see why. They’ve been such a big part of the industry for so long."
Joe further elaborated on his perspective, which diverges from the immediate sadness often associated with such announcements. "For me, it’s a bit of a different perspective. I’m super happy for them both. These are both men who’ve achieved in this industry. They really have careers they can kick back their feet and look at with tremendous pride and satisfaction. I’m always happy to see people enter that phase of their life in a healthy manner with great future prospects of other things on the horizon."
The retirements of performers like AJ Styles and John Cena not only close a chapter on their individual careers but also signify a broader transition in the professional wrestling landscape. Their contributions, both in terms of athletic innovation and mainstream appeal, have undeniably shaped the industry for over two decades. As the wrestling world prepares to bid farewell to these iconic figures, the sentiments expressed by Samoa Joe resonate as a testament to their lasting impact and the enduring bonds formed within the unique world of professional wrestling.
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